Portrait Photography Tips
1. Hold camera very still or use a tripod
2. Know how to use the manual focus, if not know how to use the auto focus
3. If you focus on someone's eyes it tends to soften their skin
4. KISS: keep it simple, stupid
5. Narrow depth of field (make sure background is uncluttered)
6. Get up close, focus on expressive hands
7. Alter perspective
8. Experiment with lighting
Use side lighting
Back lighting
One hour before dawn and one hour before dusk (Golden Hour)
Do not shoot into the sun unless you want a silhouette
On a sunny day go in shady area if you don't want dramatic light
Add color filters
9. Rules of Composition
Rule of thirds
10. Break the rules of Composition
Place the subject in the center
Put the subject off center
Add a motion or blur
11. Take a series of shots and put them together (odd numbers)
12. Eye contact
Look off camera
Look behind you/over your shoulder/up/down
13. Use a prop
14. Shoot candidly
1. Hold camera very still or use a tripod
2. Know how to use the manual focus, if not know how to use the auto focus
3. If you focus on someone's eyes it tends to soften their skin
4. KISS: keep it simple, stupid
5. Narrow depth of field (make sure background is uncluttered)
6. Get up close, focus on expressive hands
7. Alter perspective
8. Experiment with lighting
Use side lighting
Back lighting
One hour before dawn and one hour before dusk (Golden Hour)
Do not shoot into the sun unless you want a silhouette
On a sunny day go in shady area if you don't want dramatic light
Add color filters
9. Rules of Composition
Rule of thirds
10. Break the rules of Composition
Place the subject in the center
Put the subject off center
Add a motion or blur
11. Take a series of shots and put them together (odd numbers)
12. Eye contact
Look off camera
Look behind you/over your shoulder/up/down
13. Use a prop
14. Shoot candidly